All Rise...

Editor's Note

The Charge

Another film, another American hero.

Opening Statement

Rio Grande is another John Wayne classic film or a long by-gone era.
The third in a trilogy of US Cavalry pictures by John Ford (Fort Apache and She Wore A
Yellow Ribbon), this film embodies all that was good about the US Cavalry
including such chest-thumping themes as duty and honor. This is also the first
of many joint screen appearances by Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and they are
wonderful together.

The Evidence

Once again, this is a film originally released by Republic Pictures but which
has since been acquired by Artisan Entertainment. As it turns out, Artisan has
re-released and re-packaged this in their own packaging, but I got my hands on
this version straight from them before the new release was available. As such,
it is still swaddled in the Silver Screen Classics colors of the Republic days.
Give Artisan credit for going after the titles owned by Republic. It has
contributed to their rise in profitability, no doubt.

The image here is absolutely terrific. The original black and white, full
frame picture is completely grain-free. Blacks are deep and dark and contrast is
just right, both in bright daylight and in black, low-lit night scenes. Either
Republic used an excellent print, or did some heavy restoration work on the one
they had, for the image is virtually free from all nicks and scars. This is as
good a black and white transfer as I have seen from a film this old.

Much like the audio in Sands Of Iwo
Jima, this mono soundtrack is outstanding for its age. It lacks any serious
hiss or tinny sounds. The dialogue tracks are very clear, though not as deep and
resolute as today's best, but that is to be expected. The background (and
foreground) track is filled with wonderful sounds including songs performed by
The Sons of the Pioneers and the soundtrack of 22-time Academy Award nominee
Victor Young.

Also like Sands Of Iwo Jima, this film includes a making of
featurette hosted by Leonard Maltin. These are quality introductions to the
world of these classic films. It's too bad Republic didn't get to continue the
fine work they were doing on DVD. One can only hope Artisan will pick up the
ball and keep running with these classics of the silver screen by adding more
quality presentations on DVD, in addition to their quirky new independent film
success with titles such as The Blair
Witch Project.

The Rebuttal Witnesses

I would have liked to see a commentary track or two on this film. It
certainly would have made the experience that much more enjoyable. Other than
that it is hard to find something about this disc to pick on. The acting and
directing are first rate. The stunts are outstanding. The music is beautiful.
And the cinematography is glorious. What's not to like?

Closing Statement

Another John Wayne film I will not soon forget. As I have said before, I was
never a fan of The Duke. Probably because my grandmother (may she rest in peace)
was. I was probably just a rebellious little jerk, disagreeing with anything
anyone in authority ever said to me (as if that has changed today—yeah
right). Maybe I should have listened more and talked less when I was a
child.